Two days passed, and Felicity's health slowly improved under Grace's careful care. Every day, Grace made sure she had her medicine, ate properly, and stayed comfortable all the time.
Felicity began to smile more, and slowly, she started to trust Grace completely. She would call softly,
"Grace… can you read me a story?" or "Grace, hold my hand."
Grace's heart melted each time.
"Of course, little girl," she would answer, holding Felicity close and tucking her blankets around her.
They spent their days talking, playing quietly, and laughing softly. Felicity would sometimes sit on Grace's lap while Grace brushed her hair, and she began to see Grace as her protector, her comfort, and a safe presence in her life.
One afternoon, as the sun streamed through the window, Felicity rested her head on Grace's shoulder and whispered,
"I love you, Grace."
Grace felt her heart swell. She hugged Felicity tightly, tears threatening to fall.
"I love you too, Felicity. I promise I'll always take care of you," Grace whispered, holding her close.
From that day on, their bond grew even stronger. Felicity clung to Grace in moments of fear or sadness, and Grace became not just her caretaker, but the family Felicity could finally trust.
Victoria walked past Felicity's room and paused, noticing the little girl sitting on Grace's lap, laughing softly as Grace combed her hair.
Her eyes narrowed. "What is going on here?" she muttered under her breath, her voice cold and sharp.
She stepped inside, her posture stiff, and looked at them both.
"Grace, what are you doing with her? Why is she sitting on your lap like that?" Victoria demanded, her tone filled with suspicion and irritation.
Grace looked up calmly but firmly.
"She's does not well recovered, and I'm taking care of her. She trusts me, and I'm helping her feel better," Grace explained softly, keeping her hand on Felicity's back to comfort her.
Victoria's lips pressed tightly together, her jealousy clear in her glare.
"She's my child. You shouldn't be so close to her," Victoria said sharply, her voice trembling with anger.
Felicity, sensing tension, looked up at Victoria. "Mama… I like Grace so much. She helps me," she whispered softly.
Victoria's face hardened, and she turned away, clearly unhappy with what she saw.
Grace stayed still, gently brushing Felicity's hair, determined to protect the little girl from Victoria's coldness.
No matter what, I won't let her harm you, Grace thought, holding Felicity close.
The bond between them had grown too strong, and Victoria could see it—yet she couldn't break it.